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Readers’ Choice Winners in 2018

Lindsey Morse
ByLindsey MorseNov 15, 2021 | 0 comments

Every year we ask you, our readers, to tell us your favorite subscription boxes. These are the results of the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards.

New visitors are constantly asking us: “What’s the best subscription box for me?” We often turn to our community to help answer that question, and in January 2018 surveyed our readers for their top picks across a number of different categories. Check out the full list of winners below!

Note: These picks are from 2018. To see the most recent Readers' Choice awards, follow this link.

2018 Readers' Choice Winners by Category

1. FabFitFun - Best Box For Women

Image from our review.

FabFitFun is a quarterly lifestyle subscription that sends subscribers 6-8 items per season with a value up to $300. Items in this subscription are on-trend and full-size beauty products, fitness items, accessories, home decor, and more. FabFitFun even allows subscribers to hand-select a few items from each shipment! FabFitFun was a very popular lifestyle subscription back in 2018, and it's still going strong. In fact, it might be even more popular in 2021 than it was in 2018!

For past reviews and more info, visit our FabFitFun brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see where FabFitFun ranks.

2. Stitch Fix - Best Box For Women's Fashion

Image from our review.

In 2018, MSA readers voted Stitch Fix the Best Box For Women's Fashion! If you're new to Stitch Fix, here's how it works: Stitch Fix is a personal styling service for women, men, and kids too! You tell them all about your style and size preferences through their style quiz, and they send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. No two Fix shipments are alike and each one is hand-picked just for you. Keep what items you like, and return the rest in a pre-paid return mailer. But don't worry, you don't have to travel back in time to 2018 to try this personal styling service. Stitch Fix is still dressing subscribers in 2021!

For past reviews and more info, visit our Stitch Fix brand page.

Check out our list of Best Clothing Subscription Boxes to discover more subscriptions that will help keep your wardrobe on tend.

3. Pura Vida Bracelets Club (Now Pura Vida Jewelry Club) - Best Jewelry Box

Image from our review.

In 2018, MSA readers voted Pura Vida Bracelets Club the Best Jewelry Box. Pura Vida is still going strong in 2021; however, the subscription has expanded to send more than just bracelets. The subscription is now called Pura Vida Jewelry Club, and every month subscribers will receive 2 exclusive jewelry items worth up to $65.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Pura Vida brand page.

Check out our list of Best Fashion Subscription Boxes to discover more subscriptions that will help keep your wardrobe on tend.

4. FabFitFun - Best Women's Lifestyle Box

Image from our review.

FabFitFun was all the rage in 2018, winning two out of four women's categories. This quarterly lifestyle subscription sends subscribers 6-8 items per season with a value up to $300. Items in this subscription are on-trend and full-size beauty products, fitness items, accessories, home decor, and more. FabFitFun even allows subscribers to hand-select a few items from each shipment! In 2021, FabFitFun might be even more popular than it was back in 2018. It really is true that some things get better with age!

For past reviews and more info, visit our FabFitFun brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see where FabFitFun ranks.

5. Ipsy- Best Beauty Box

group shot with products laying around makeup bag

Image from our review.

Ipsy Glam Bag is one of the most popular and affordable subscriptions around, and our readers have selected it as one of the top beauty boxes for 5 years running! Ipsy Glam Bag connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty samples each month, plus a cute makeup bag. Ipsy is personalised to your individual profile when you take their onboarding quiz, but what you’ll receive in your monthly glam bag is still a surprise. Ipsy was a very popular beauty subscription back in 2018, and it's still an MSA favorite in 2021.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Ipsy brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

6. Birchbox - Best Skincare Box

Image from our review.

Birchbox was one of the very first beauty subscription boxes—we’ve been reviewing it at MSA since 2012! Each month, subscribers get a new mix of 5 beauty samples, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. Birchbox lets you choose whether you’d like a box of items picked just for you (including one item you get to pick out yourself), or a 'curated' box fully chosen by Birchbox. Subscribers also have the option to add-on full-sized items to each shipment. Back in 2018, readers voted Birchbox the Best Skincare Box, and in 2021, they're still connecting subscribers with brands like Sunday Riley, Kiehl’s, Ouai, and Beauty Blender.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Birchbox brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

7. Dermstore BeautyFIX- Best Specialty Beauty Box

Image via our review.

Dermstore is an online retailer that specializes in professional-strength formulas from top skin care brands, hard-to-find spa care and natural beauty brands, professional hair care and makeup products, and specialty brands from around the world. For those looking to sample some of the products available on the site, Dermstore's BeautyFIX is a subscription that sends a variety of skincare, makeup, hair, and beauty products. (But skincare is really the star of this box.) In 2018, MSA readers voted BeautyFIX their top pick for specialty beauty products.

For past reviews and more info, visit our BeautyFix brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

8. Ipsy- Best Box For Makeup

group shot with products laying around makeup bag

Image from our review.

And Ipsy Glam Bag makes the list again! In 2018, Ipsy nabbed two of our coveted awards in the beauty category. Here's a description of this fan-favorite subscription once again: Ipsy Glam Bag connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty samples each month, plus a cute makeup bag. Ipsy is personalised to your individual profile when you take their onboarding quiz, but what you’ll receive in your monthly glam bag is still a surprise.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Ipsy brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

9. Dollar Shave Club - Best Box For Men

Image via our review.

Dollar Shave Club sends subscribers affordable shaving and grooming products. When you sign up for a subscription, you'll be able to pick the products you want and set up a shipping frequency that works for you. In 2018, our readers were all about convenience when it came time to pick for Best Box For Men. Fashion and lifestyle boxes were pushed aside in favor of this very practical subscription that keeps customers stocked up with shaving supplies! 

For past reviews and more info, visit our Dollar Shave Club brand page.

Check out our list of Best Men's Clothing Subscription Boxes to find something snazzy to put on after you get clean and groomed.

10. Birchbox Man (Now Birchbox Grooming)- Best Men's Lifestyle Box

Image via our review.

In 2018, MSA readers voted Birchbox Man the Best Men's Lifestyle Box. The name of this subscription has since changed to Birchbox Grooming, but the subscription still specializes in grooming and lifestyle items. Each box includes a mix of grooming product samples for you to experiment with and figure out if they might work for you. Find something you like? You can pick up full-sized items in the Birchbox store.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Dollar Shave Club brand page.

Check out our list of Best Men's Clothing Subscription Boxes to find something snazzy to put on after you get clean and groomed.

11. HelloFresh - Best Box For Families

Check out my review of Hello Fresh for May 2017!

Image from our review.

The meal kit landscape was quite a bit different back in 2018 (so many new subscriptions have launched since then!), but HelloFresh has been a constant. In 2018, MSA readers voted HelloFresh the Best Box For Families. HelloFresh has only gotten better with age. In 2021, this subscription has a larger menu, supports more diets, and offers more vegetarian and kid-friendly options than it did back in 2018.

For past reviews and more info, visit our HelloFresh brand page.

Check out our list of Best Meal Delivery Services to discover more companies that will send dinner to your doorstep.

12. Ipsy - Best Box For Teens

group shot with products laying around makeup bag

Image from our review.

Ipsy Glam Bag wins again! In addition to winning two spots in the beauty category, in 2018, Ipsy also nabbed the title of Best Box For Teens. Here's a description of this fan-favorite subscription: IPSY Glam Bag connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty samples each month, plus a cute makeup bag. IPSY is personalised to your individual profile when you take their onboarding quiz, but what you’ll receive in your monthly glam bag is still a surprise. Beauty samples are a great way for teens to learn what products work for them, so it's no surprise Ipsy won this one, too!

For past reviews and more info, visit our Ipsy brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

13. FabKids- Best Kid's Clothing Box

Image via our review.

FabKids is a kids clothing subscription for boys and girls in sizes 2 through 16. Each month you'll find new outfits, and every outfit includes 2 pieces for just $29.95. You can buy the outfit you love or skip the month altogether. Back in 2018, MSA readers voted FabKids the Best Kid's Clothing Box.

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our FabKids brand page.

Looking for more boxes for the littlest members of your family? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Kids.

14. Owl Crate Jr. - Best Box For Kids

Image via our review.

OwlCrate Jr is a monthly subscription box for young readers, brought to you by the team behind OwlCrate! This box of fun goodies and great books is intended for kids aged 8-12, and in 2018, it was our readers' pick for Best Kids Box! Each month's shipment is curated around a theme like "Elephants on Parade" or "Write it Down," and shipments contain gender neutral items that build reading skills and encourage learning and play.

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our Owl Crate Jr. brand page.

Looking for more boxes for the littlest members of your family? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Kids.

15. CatLadyBox - Best Box For Cats

Image from our review.

CatLadyBox sends treats for both cat ladies and their feline friends, and in 2018, CatLadyBox was voted the Best Box For Cats. Boxes feature cat toys as well as accessories, decor, clothing, and books for the cat lady herself. Expect to receive a variety of unique and exclusive cat-themed items in every box. In 2021, you can still subscribe and receive all kinds of goodies for you and your cat!

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our CatLadyBox brand page.

Looking for more boxes to keep your furry friend happy? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Pets.

16. BarkBox - Best Box For Dogs

Image from our review.

Gifting your furry best friend with cute toys never goes out of style, and pet boxes were just as popular back in 2018 as they are in 2021. In our 2018 reader poll, BarkBox earned top marks and won the title of Best Box For Dogs. In 2021, you'll still find the company sending out treats and adorable dog toys that are designed to last!

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our BarkBox brand page.

Looking for more boxes to keep your furry friend happy? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Dogs.

17. Graze (No Longer in Service)- Best Snack Box

Graze April 2019 snack subscription review

Image from our review.

For a long time, Graze was a reader-favorite snack box, and in 2018, it won the award for Best Snack Box. Graze continued feeding hungry subscribers for a while after it made it onto our 2018 list, but the subscription sent out its last box in 2019.

Check out our list of Best Snack Subscription Boxes to discover more snacks and nibbles.

18. Blue Apron- Best Meal Kit Box

blue apron box with food all around it

Image from our review.

In 2018, MSA readers voted Blue Apron the Best Meal Kit Box, and Blue Apron is still sending out delicious meals in 2021. Blue Apron is one of the most well-known meal kit delivery service subscription boxes and is known for serving up bistro-inspired recipes. Each shipment from Blue Apron contains pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, and subscribers can receive boxes on a schedule that works for them. Blue Apron often collaborates with celebrity chefs and fun brands, and past collaborators have included Chrissy Teigen, Whole30, and even Bob’s Burgers!

For past reviews and more info, visit our Blue Apron brand page.

Check out our list of Best Meal Delivery Services to discover more companies that will send dinner to your doorstep.

19. Cellars Wine Club- Best Wine Box

Cellars Wine Club on Instagram: “Another weekend and no plans in sight. • • • • • #Cellarswineclub #Wine #Cheers #WineClubs #WineClub #Winetime #Wineofthemonth… in 2020

Image via Cellars Wine Club.

Cellars is an ultra-customizable wine subscription box. It features region-specific blends, natural wines, and interesting varietals, and in 2018, it was our readers choice for Best Wine Box! This subscription offers affordable wines for beginners and experienced wine drinkers alike, and it's been going strong since 2018. Cellars is still shipping wine to subscribers in 2021.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Cellars Wine Club brand page.

Check out our list of Best Wine Subscriptions to discover more companies that will send vino to your doorstep.

20. Ipsy- Best Box Under $15

group shot with products laying around makeup bag

Image from our review.

Ipsy? Again? You better believe it! 2018 was the year of the Glam Bag, and Ipsy wins again in the category of Best Box Under $15! Let's take another look at what Ipsy's all about: this subscription connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty samples each month, plus a cute makeup bag. Ipsy is personalised to your individual profile when you take their onboarding quiz, but what you’ll receive in your monthly glam bag is still a surprise. All that for under $15? In 2018, our readers considered this subscription an absolute steal!

For past reviews and more info, visit our Ipsy brand page.

Check out our list of Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to discover more beauty and makeup subscriptions.

21. POPSUGAR Must Have (No Longer in Service)- Best Splurge-Worthy Box

Image from our review.

POPSUGAR Must Have was a quarterly lifestyle subscription box curated by the editors at POPSUGAR. POPSUGAR Must Have was a very popular lifestyle subscription in 2018, and readers loved it so much they voted it Best Splurge-Worthy Box! Each box featured "must have" products for beauty, fashion, home, food, fitness and more. Sadly, POPSUGAR Must Have is no longer in operation. The subscription shuttered in 2020.

For past reviews and more info, visit our POPSUGAR Must Have brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see which boxes currently top the list.

22. Book of the Month - Best Book Box

Image from our review.

Book of the Month was founded all the way back in 1926, and it's been going strong ever since! In 2018, Book of the Month was voted Best Book Box by our readers, and it's still a fan favorite in 2021. Kind of amazing how a subscription can be relevant in the 1920's, 2018, and 2021!

For up-to-date information Book of the Month and to see what people are saying lately, visit our Book of the Month reviews page.

Check out this year's Best Book Subscription Boxes to see who readers recommend lately.

23. Loot Crate - Best Geek Box

Star Trek Mission Crate Holiday Apology Box

Image from our review.

In 2018, Loot Crate was voted Best Geek Box by MSA readers, and over the past years its only gotten geekier and more niche! In 2021, there are a number of different Loot Crate subscriptions to choose from. Whether you want horror loot, sci-fi loot, gaming loot, loot for her, sock loot... there's a Loot Crate for you.

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our Loot Crate Sci-Fi brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see which boxes currently top the list.

24. Stitch Fix - Best Online Personal Stylist

Image from our review.

In 2018, MSA readers voted Stitch Fix the Best Online Personal Stylist! (Are you taking notes? This is StitchFix's second win!) If you're new to Stitch Fix, here's how it works: Stitch Fix is a personal styling service for women, men, and kids too! You tell them all about your style and size preferences through their style quiz, and they send you a package of stylish goodies to try on at home. No two Fix shipments are alike and each one is hand-picked just for you. Keep what items you like, and return the rest in a pre-paid return mailer.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Stitch Fix brand page.

Check out our list of Best Clothing Subscription Boxes to discover more subscriptions that will help keep your wardrobe on tend.

25. The Honest Company (No Longer in Service) - Best Home Box

Honest Diapers Bundle

Image from our review.

Jessica Alba's Honest Company was all the rage back in 2018, and subscribers used to be able to bundle their favorite home essentials and have them shipped on a regular schedule. Unfortunately, this subscription is no longer available (you can still sign up for an Honest Company Diaper Subscription), but back in 2018, MSA readers voted it the Best Home Box.

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our Honest Company Diapers Bundle brand page.

Looking for more boxes for the littlest members of your family? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Kids.

26. CAUSEBOX (Now Alltrue) - Best Box That Gives Back

Image from our review.

Alltrue (formerly CAUSEBOX) is a seasonal lifestyle membership that unites a community of individuals who stand for good, seek truth, and take action. Every season, Alltrue members receive a curation of carefully vetted socially-conscious lifestyle products (from fashion and homewares to skincare and jewelry). Every product is sustainable and ethical, so you can treat yourself and know that you're making an impact. In 2018, this box was voted by readers as the Best Box That Gives Back, and you can still subscribe to this subscription in 2021.

For past reviews and more info, visit our Alltrue brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see which boxes currently top the list.

27. FabFitFun - Best Fitness Box

Image from our review.

FabFitFun isn't a dedicated fitness subscription, but it does regularly feature fitness items, and it was our readers' pick in 2018 for Best Fitness Box!  FabFitFun is still going strong in 2021. Want to learn more about this subscription? It's a quarterly lifestyle subscription that sends subscribers 6-8 items per season with a value up to $300. Items in this subscription are on-trend and full-size beauty products, fitness items, accessories, home decor, and more. FabFitFun even allows subscribers to hand-select a few items from each shipment!

For past reviews and more info, visit our FabFitFun brand page.

Check out this year's Readers' Choice to see where FabFitFun ranks.

28. Dollar Shave Club - Best Personal Care Box

Image via our review.

Dollar Shave Club wins again! This box sends subscribers affordable shaving and grooming products, perfect for keeping things looking neat and tidy. Dollar Shave Club was voted best Personal Care Box in 2018. When you sign up for a subscription, you'll be able to pick the products you want and set up a shipping frequency that works for you. 

For past reviews and more info, visit our Dollar Shave Club brand page.

Check out our list of Best Men's Clothing Subscription Boxes to find something snazzy to put on after you get clean and groomed.

29. Doodle Crate - Best Art & Craft Box

Image via our review.

Doodle Crate (by KiwiCo) inspires young makers to learn new skills and gain creative confidence. Every month, a new super-fun DIY project that kids will love to design and create. Each shipment contains a new art project designed for kids ages 9-16. Expect to see things like paper crafts, decor projects, and more. In 2018, Doodle Crate was voted Best & Craft Box.

For past reviews and more info, get started by visiting our Doode Crate brand page.

Looking for more boxes for the littlest members of your family? Check out our list of Best Subscriptions for Kids.

Fun Facts About Readers' Choice in 2018

  • Ipsy was the top winner in 2018, claiming four coveted titles: Best Beauty Box, Best Box For Makeup, Best Box For Teens, Best Box Under $15.
  • A few subscriptions that made the list in 2018 have since gone through a name change. CAUSEBOX is now Alltrue, Birchbox Man is now Birchbox Grooming, and Pura Vida Bracelets Club is now Pura Vida Jewelry Club!
  • (Grab the tissues.) Several subscriptions that were reader favorites in 2018 are now shuttered. R.I.P. POPSUGAR Must Have, Graze, and Honest Company Essentials Bundle.
  • Book of the Month is the longest-running subscription voted onto our 2018 Readers' Choice list. It was founded way back in 1926!
  • In 2018, readers voted for practicality over frivolity by picking Dollar Shave Club as the best subscription in two categories: Best Personal Care Box and Best Box For Men.

 


Did your favorite subscription box win a Readers' Choice award in 2018? Let us know in the comments!

Lindsey Morse
Lindsey Morse

Lindsey is a professional baker, cold brew coffee addict, and rosé aficionado who loves writing about food and wine. When she’s not sharing her love of subscription boxes with the world, you’ll find her in the podcasting studio, perfecting her cake decorating techniques, or cursing her way through the New York Times daily crossword puzzle. 


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